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People say that long distance relationships are more trouble than they’re worth. Some might say that it’s not a relationship at all if you’re not able to be with each other. Other say that if both party don’t meet on a regular basis the distance may tear both of you a part and allow you to find and meet new people instead.

In a nutshell, (Love + Distance = a miserable relationship).

But still, why do such relationships still exist today and even flourish splendidly?

First, I would need a plane to get to my boyfriend. I would need a lot of money to be with him and be willing enough to spend a few days even hours just to feel his presence. And soon I would find myself looking over my shoulder as I go into the airport with sad goodbyes. Rinse and repeat. Me and him vice versa.

Why go for the effort you say? Why would we brave those lonely days without the other? Why do we withstand the thought of doubts and fear? Why do we settle for face cams and messages?

Because for us,

(Love + Distance, would still equal to a great relationship)

We do not say it’s easy and advise anyone to engage in this type of relationship. But if you think you’re struggling with or you may think it’s not worth it then their goes your chance to experience something amazing.

These are the things we do which has held us for 3 years and pray fully more to come:

1. We both plan for our getaways

A huge amount of preparation is needed for us to meet. We both plot our schedule and from there we make time to get ourselves free. Both of us makes the effort to fly and visit the other on a consistent basis. Again, every relationship is different and so are the circumstances but we both have fun in the planning as we wait excitedly with anticipation for the others’ arrival. The degree of effort minimizes because we work together to be together.

2. Crazy activities

We are crazy when we are together but even crazier when we are apart. Over the face cam we do anything. We can wrap our minds on. Most of the things we do are games built to know the person more or eve highlight their crazier side. Such games like word play, movie reflections, 20 questions, truth and dare and a lot more. These ideas are not from us alone. We also learn from others who also experience LDR and are brave enough to blog tips on it. (Thank you to YOU people by the way).

3. Real talk

Some people may get tired of the usual heavy drama but we thrived on it. Pure honest communication is key. Whether the other feels good or bad, in the mood or not whenever one need to upon up the other is ready to listen. Such opportunities like this may be rare in close proximity relationship but LDR is rich on emotion and stories. Some stories may lead both of you to cry uncontrollably or laugh hysterically but in the end one thing remains. Love for the other.

4. Love for God

We both have Christ in our hearts. We actually have the same church which was also the main reason why we got to meet in the 1st place. He flew to Cebu because of ministry matters. Unexpectedly, one Sunday morning he heard an angel sang. I was the worship leader. (Literally got him looking at me throughout the service).

Ironically, our love for God also what keeps us apart because we minister to our own local churches and families. We believe that God brought us together. And He is also the reason we always meet. God has always found the time to bring us together regardless of our schedules and circumstances. We owe it to him who hold this love together.

True enough the negative portion about LDR I mentioned earlier is real but it is not constant. I would be lying if I told you it was a bed of roses. But LDR never ceased to show me how much beautiful and amazing he is and how every effort to be together, no matter how long is worth it.

Keep on fighting and keep on loving and someday those church bells maybe ringing.

God bless and have a wonderful day! :)